Here is another video. Sorry the lens was dirty and didn't focus too well.

Robert

Robert,
I believe your camera is set on 'Auto Focus'. Common mistake taking video of small far away moving objects. Most times when your frame is low enough to include the flyers and the start line, the camera focuses in on that. When you raise the frame to the sky it cannot find an object to focus on so it starts hunting.

If you can get into your camera menu and turn auto focus OFF or set it to Manual it will work much better. In manual, just set the focus for 'infinity' and leave it there. Everything at a distance will be in focus.

Pilots, I just started a new power system discussion thread in "High Performance" for Electric Formula 1. Please respond and comment to the following discussion on that thread. Here is the challenge.

I have tried several setups on an unmodified E-Flight LR-1A Pogo. Running this plane on a 400' course for 10 laps is taking around 80 seconds with average flight skills. With a battery limit of 4 cell and maximum 325 gram, the limit seems to be the power delivered by the battery. For this challenge you are limited to a 8" diameter prop of any pitch. You are also limited to an out runner motor. The all up weight of the aircraft has to remain between 3.25 lbs and 3.5 lbs.

What is not limited is motor brand, size, or KV. There is no limit on ESC.

I have found it possible to increase ultimate speed, but at the cost of draining the battery before the required time to complete the 10 lap 400' course. So the goal is definitely not ultimate speed, but fastest time around the course. I have tried a range of batteries from 2500 mah to 3000 mah with a range of C ratings.

What seems to be the limiting factor is watt limiting associated with a 325 gram battery. The other limiting factor seem to the relatively draggy E-Flight Pogo. Getting it to go much faster than 110 mph on course seems to require a high exponential increase in power with a minimal increase in speed that quickly draws down the battery and reduces overall performance around the 10 lap 400' course.

To be up front with you I have run this challenge past some of the most qualified rc pilots, rc motors design engineers and theoretical physicist.

It seems that regardless of KV, prop pitch, motor size, motor brand, or ESC a statistically evaluate-able performance difference over the prescribe course with prescribe limitations is unlikely. It seems by limiting the prop diameter to 8" and the battery to 325 grams on a factory E-Flight LR-1A you can reach performance parity with commonly available, inexpensive power system components. Please prove me wrong.

Please respond on the Electric Formula 1 Power System Performance Thread in High Performance.

What seems to be the limiting factor is watt limiting associated with a 325 gram battery. The other limiting factor seem to the relatively draggy E-Flight Pogo. Getting it to go much faster than 110 mph on course seems to require a high exponential increase in power with a minimal increase in speed that quickly draws down the battery and reduces overall performance around the 10 lap 400' course.

To be up front with you I have run this challenge past some of the most qualified rc pilots, rc motors design engineers and theoretical physicist.

It seems that regardless of KV, prop pitch, motor size, motor brand, or ESC a statistically evaluate-able performance difference over the prescribe course with prescribe limitations is unlikely. It seems by limiting the prop diameter to 8" and the battery to 325 grams on a factory E-Flight LR-1A you can reach performance parity with commonly available, inexpensive power system components.

Robert,

Thanks for confirming that the rule-writers have succeeded in doing EXACTLY what they set out to do! FWIW, the same holds true in Formula 1 Sport (AMA event no. 421, 1/4-scale F1s using .90 cu. in. glow engines). Unfortunately, F1 Sport seems not to have attracted the level of interest that EF-1 is now attracting. C'est la vie. Let's go with whatever works.

The absolutely essential, historically elusive element is guaranteeing enough parity in speed so that everyone is on the same lap, regardless of what design they choose or how expensive a powerplant they put on it. If the EF-1 formula has managed to achieve that, it will be the best formula ever.

I had to post a couple of pictures just because. The pictures were taken by Sean Dunnavant at the recent Q-40 Champ race in PHX. We had a blast with the EF1's and the pictures show how gifted Sean is at taking pictures.

DK

Dan,

Is it possible to get a PDF plan of the Shoestring? I read that it is not available in a kit. I would like to scratch build one. Great looking plane.

I know the Doddger is a slimer, I just wanted to show my ability to build.

Nice picts of your work. I am sure you could handle the shoestring if it was available. Unfortunately, I never created a set of plans. I created raw cut sheets of the parts and thats it. My plate is pretty full at the moment, so I have no intention to complete them as of yet. Jerry and I have been working pretty hard at getting someone to produce kits. Stay tuned there may be someone releasing kits in a month or two. (it won't be my shoestring, but it will be a shoulder wing EF1).

Sorry that it wasn't the news you were looking for, but that is the best I can offer right now.

Nice picts of your work. I am sure you could handle the shoestring if it was available. Unfortunately, I never created a set of plans. I created raw cut sheets of the parts and thats it. My plate is pretty full at the moment, so I have no intention to complete them as of yet. Jerry and I have been working pretty hard at getting someone to produce kits. Stay tuned there may be someone releasing kits in a month or two. (it won't be my shoestring, but it will be a shoulder wing EF1).

Sorry that it wasn't the news you were looking for, but that is the best I can offer right now.

DK

Thanks Dan for the quick reply.

I'll see if I can find some 3 views. I really like what you did with the airframe.

Nice picts of your work. I am sure you could handle the shoestring if it was available. Unfortunately, I never created a set of plans. I created raw cut sheets of the parts and thats it. My plate is pretty full at the moment, so I have no intention to complete them as of yet. Jerry and I have been working pretty hard at getting someone to produce kits. Stay tuned there may be someone releasing kits in a month or two. (it won't be my shoestring, but it will be a shoulder wing EF1).

Sorry that it wasn't the news you were looking for, but that is the best I can offer right now.

DK

Dan,

I downloaded and printed the Little Toni plans and parts PDF's at a local Lazerquick a few days ago. Very nice.

Question, if I were to follow a 3 view I found of the Ray Cote Shoestring, would it be advisable to use the wing templates (root and tip) from the Toni? I would adjust for the width of the fuse. I was planning to scratch build it anyway and will size it up to 400 sq in. for local Club racing.

While you guys are out racing (jealous) I am finally back on to working on my Midget Mustang. I am about halfway through the wing. Still a few major details to finish (hinging ailerons, glassing center, gear reinforcement).

The next big hurdle is cutting out the tail feathers and starting to cover.

While you guys are out racing (jealous) I am finally back on to working on my Midget Mustang. I am about halfway through the wing. Still a few major details to finish (hinging ailerons, glassing center, gear reinforcement).

The next big hurdle is cutting out the tail feathers and starting to cover.

Troy,

Great work! Wing looks good. Nice job on the wing tips.

Say would you mind taking a couple of pics of your hinging technique or an explanation. I am trying to figure out a way to have a mono-kote type hinge and rods from the center of the wing. I have some red nyrod, but not to keen on using it as it tends to change length with temperature changes. The ailerons are about 8 inches from the center of the wing.

I've buried 2 servos in the wing previously with success with a direct link to the control horns, would like to go with one servo.

Question, if I were to follow a 3 view I found of the Ray Cote Shoestring, would it be advisable to use the wing templates (root and tip) from the Toni? I would adjust for the width of the fuse. I was planning to scratch build it anyway

Bill,
My father and I have the same love for the Shoestring and want to scratch build a Shoestring for E-F1. Can you tell me where to find the three view of the Ray Cote Shoestring ? He wants to do something similar to what you are doing.

Can you post the link to the three views or send me a message to my email at pylon.guy@shaw.ca